Compensation Manager

Takasago is a major global leader and producer of flavors and fragrances providing innovative solutions in flavors, fragrances, aroma ingredients, and fine chemicals. Takasago is headquartered in Japan and operates in over 27 countries, with manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and sales offices worldwide. Takasago ranked 8th overall and 1st in Asia on the Global Top Food Flavors and Fragrances Companies.

Takasago’s mission is deeply rooted in innovation, leveraging advanced scientific research to develop cutting-edge products. We continuously seek out new technologies in sensory science, biotechnology, and green chemistry to produce novel flavors and fragrances. We aim to stay ahead of global trends by delivering innovative solutions that resonate with consumers' evolving tastes and preferences.

Takasago invests heavily in research and development to remain at the forefront of innovation in flavors and fragrances. We are committed to sustainability, focusing on natural and environmentally friendly ingredients. Our R&D centers are known for using advanced technology, including sensory science and biotechnological advancements, to create unique products.

Takasago’s corporate culture is shaped by its core values of innovation, customer focus, sustainability, and respect for diversity. The company promotes a forward-thinking environment that fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to think creatively while maintaining high ethical standards.

The Compensation Manager will report to the Vice President of Human Resources of the Americas. As the Compensation Manager, you are responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and administration of comprehensive compensation programs, including base pay, short-term incentives, and executive pay structures. The individual will ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards, manage compensation processes, and provide strategic guidance to various internal teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and administration of compensation programs, including base pay, short-term incentives, executive compensation, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, HRBPs, Operations, and broader teams to provide insights on compensation matters, ensuring alignment with market trends and internal practices.
• Create Compensation Guidelines and guidance for all comp related matters in partnership with the VP of HR.
• Conduct job evaluations and market data research to make informed compensation recommendations for new hires, promotions, and internal adjustments.
• Manage the annual merit and short-term incentive cycles, ensuring compliance with legal standards, timelines, and budgets. Researching creative systems to manage comp planning.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators and internal teams on award values, distributions, and compliance.
• Lead comprehensive department-level job and compensation reviews, ensuring consistency in job hierarchy and career progression.
• Serve as the main liaison with third-party vendors for compensation data, surveys, and systems, ensuring competitive market positioning through analysis of survey results.
• Prepare detailed compensation reports and analyses to identify trends, making recommendations for program improvements.
• Provide training and education to HR teams on compensation policies, projects, and initiatives.
• Lead compensation-related projects and ad hoc analysis as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.
• 5 years of progressive compensation experience, with a strong understanding of federal and state regulations impacting compensation programs.
• Familiarity with HR processes and the interaction between compensation, payroll, benefits, and HRIS systems.
• Experience with HR technologies (such as HRIS systems and market pricing tools) and proficiency in advanced Excel functions, including pivot tables and data analysis.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical abilities, and the ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results within a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work extended hours and weekends during peak compensation cycles.
• Hybrid work model with a minimum of three days a week in the office.

Preferred Qualifications

• CCP certification or progress toward certification.
• Experience managing equity compensation programs.
• Experience supporting a corporate and manufacturing environment preferred or working with both exempt and non-exempt employee populations.

Our Benefits include:

• Annual bonus
• Profit Sharing
• Medical/Dental insurance coverage
• 401K
• Career Development Opportunities
• Competitive PTO and 1/2 day Fridays
• Tuition Reimbursement